What Types of Bids Can I Place on Route 66 Auctions?
When you want to win an item, you can choose from three bidding methods:
1. Maximum Bid – The Best Bidding Strategy
With a maximum bid, you set the highest amount you’re willing to spend. The system then automatically bids on your behalf, increasing only by the smallest allowed increments.
- You don’t have to monitor the auction constantly.
- As long as your maximum isn’t reached, you remain the highest bidder.
- If someone outbids your limit, you’ll be notified and can raise your maximum bid.
2. Regular Bid
With a regular bid, you decide how much you want to offer. You must at least match the system’s required minimum bid based on the current highest bid.
- You manually track the auction and its status.
- If you’re outbid, you’ll receive a notification and can bid again manually.
3. Quick Bid
A quick bid lets you place an offer with one click or tap. Simply select from the suggested bid amounts and confirm instantly.
- As with a regular bid, you must actively follow the auction.
- If you’re outbid, you’ll be notified and can place another bid manually.
What Is the Minimum or Reserve Price and How Does It Work?
Most items on Route 66 Auctions have a minimum or reserve price — the lowest amount the seller is willing to accept. This limit is set beforehand in consultation with our experts.
Important to Know:
- The reserve price is not visible to bidders and cannot be determined.
- If the reserve price is not met by the end of the auction, the item will not be sold.
- Once the reserve is met or exceeded, the item is awarded to the highest bidder.
- Visual indicators show whether the reserve price is nearly or fully reached.
- If you place a bid below the reserve price, you’ll receive an instant notification. You can then increase your bid immediately — no need to wait for others.
This ensures bidders always know whether they’re approaching the reserve price without revealing the exact amount.
How Is the Next Minimum Bid Determined?
At Route 66 Auctions, the next minimum bid is automatically set based on the current highest bid. This keeps the process fair and structured.
| Current Bid | Minimum Increase |
| €0 – €5,000 | €250 |
| €5,000 – €20,000 | €500 |
| €20,000 – €100,000 | €1,000 |
| €100,000 and higher | €2,000 |
You’ll always know the minimum amount needed to place a valid bid.
Why Is the Auction Time Sometimes Extended?
To give all bidders a fair chance, Route 66 Auctions uses an automatic extension system for last-minute bids.
If a bid is placed within the final 3 minutes, the auction end time is extended by 3 minutes. This buffer prevents last-second “sniping.”
Example: If a bid is made with 55 seconds remaining, the closing time immediately moves 3 minutes later.
Can I Withdraw a Placed Bid?
No. Every bid on Route 66 Auctions is binding. Once placed, a bid cannot be withdrawn or canceled.
If the item’s reserve price is not met, the sale does not take place.
If the seller later decides to lower the reserve, you may still purchase the item for your highest bid — though you are not obligated to do so.
If you are the highest bidder when the auction closes and the reserve price is met, you are required to complete the purchase and payment.
How Can Someone Win With a Bid Placed After the Displayed End Time?
The end time on the auction page marks when the closing process starts. The first lot usually closes 1–2 minutes later. Each item within an auction has its own exact closing moment.
The interval between closings depends on the number of lots — the more lots, the shorter the intervals. This setup allows bidders to follow and bid on multiple items simultaneously.
Additionally, if a bid is placed in the last 3 minutes, that lot’s closing time is extended by 3 minutes. This keeps the auction fair and prevents last-second bidding tactics.
Why Can’t I Place a Bid?
There are several possible reasons:
1. No Account Created
You may not have an account yet. To bid, you must first create one via our registration page.
2. Account Not Verified
You must activate your account with a one-time €1 verification payment. Without verification, bidding is not possible.
3. Invalid Bid
A bid is rejected if:
- It’s lower than the required next bid increment,
- It includes anything other than numbers (e.g., commas, letters, symbols),
- Or the auction has already ended.
Once your account is created, verified, and you place a valid bid within the active auction time, you can bid without issues.
Can I Buy an Item Before the Auction Ends?
Yes. With the “Buy Now” option, you can purchase an item immediately without waiting for the auction to end. This option is only available if the item has a set “Buy Now” price.
When and Where Available
The “Buy Now” button appears on the item page next to the bidding options. You can use it as long as it’s available and up to 24 hours before the auction closes. After that, only regular bidding is possible.
How It Works
- Once you select “Buy Now,” you immediately pay the 9% Buyer Protection Fee through our secure payment system.
- After payment, you’ll receive an email confirmation.
- By the next business day, our administration will send you an invoice for the full purchase amount.
- The item officially becomes yours once payment is confirmed.
How Does Payment Work for “Buy Now”?
When you click “Buy Now,” you’ll be redirected to the payment page. Choose your preferred method and complete the payment.
Important to Know
- For direct payment methods like iDeal or credit card, the “Buy Now” option remains available to others until your payment is fully processed.
- This means another buyer could still purchase the item if they complete payment faster.
- The item is officially yours only after payment is received and you receive a confirmation email.
When Other Buyers Also Use “Buy Now”
The “Buy Now” option remains open to everyone while available. To be sure of your purchase, it’s best to complete your payment promptly.
